Keralam witnesses 7th-lowest southwest monsoon season
According to India Meteorological Department data, nearly 70% of the State remained significantly rain-deficient at the end of the season on September 30. Northeast monsoon, which normally sets in by mid-October, may be below normal during the opening month
Keralam has experienced its seventh-lowest southwest monsoon season, with the state recording a 28% rainfall deficit, receiving just 1,446.5 mm of rain compared to the normal 2,018.6 mm. Districts Idukki and Wayanad, home to many reservoirs and hydropower facilities, were among the hardest hit, receiving nearly 50% less rainfall than usual.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), nearly 70% of the state remained significantly rain-deficient at the end of the season on September 30, with eight districts experiencing deficits ranging from 20-53% and six districts reporting deficits from 0% to 20%. Relief may be on the way as the northeast monsoon typically arrives by mid-October, but recent forecasts predict below-normal rainfall during the opening month, potentially influenced by the El Niño phenomenon affecting the equatorial Pacific.
Southern and central Kerala may see normal or slightly above-normal rainfall during this season, particularly in November. The southwest monsoon was characterized by uneven rainfall distribution, with fewer rain-producing systems over the Bay of Bengal and prolonged dry spells interrupted by intense rainfall events. The monsoon's erratic nature was highlighted by July's rainfall shortfall of 34%, yet brief high-intensity rainfall periods helped reduce the overall deficit to 23% by August 4.
While a tropical storm and offshore trough brought heavy rainfall to several regions, many areas still faced rainfall stress. Groundwater recharge, which requires prolonged low- to moderate-intensity rainfall, was largely absent during the monsoon period. Climate scientist V.K. Mini of the IMD predicts that central and southern Kerala will receive normal to slightly above-normal rainfall in November and throughout the remaining northeast monsoon season, potentially helping to mitigate the October shortfall.
However, the outlook remains uncertain due to the strong El Niño, which could lead to more weather systems and intense spells over the Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
